As one native San Diegan was leaving the Padres on Monday, another was officially signing on.

The Padres announced they had agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Aaron Harang on a 2011 contact for $3.5 million with a mutual option for 2012 at $5 million. The signing became known last Friday after Harang passed his physical.

“It was an honor to have the Padres come to me with an offer for me to return home,” said the 6-foot-7, 260-pound right-hander.

“I did have other offers. But this is the best possible fit. It’s the best of both worlds, to pitch at home and to pitch for the Padres at Petco Park.”

Pitching at home is important because Jennifer Harang will give birth to twins within the next two weeks, giving the couple three young children.

Plus, the professional Harang moves from working in the most offensive ballpark (and division) to throwing in the pitching haven of Petco Park.

“Jennifer and I are really excited,” said Harang, 32. “We’re both San Diegans.

“And I’m doubly excited about getting a fresh start at Petco Park. Who wouldn’t want to play for their hometown team and pitch in Petco Park? It’s a dream come true.

“I don’t think we ever figured out how to pitch in Great America Ballpark in Cincinnati. It was like pitching in Colorado. You can’t go out there and be scared about giving up homers. You have to know you are going to give up your share.

“I can honestly say I will give up much harder-hit balls at Petco Park that will be caught than homers hit off me in Cincinnati.”

Harang, a Patrick Henry High and San Diego State product, has a career 81-87 record with a 4.33 ERA in 240 games (234 starts).

In 2006, Harang led the National League in starts (35), complete games (six) and strikeouts (216) and tied for the league lead with 16 wins. A second straight 16-win season in 2007 (with 218 strikeouts) resulted in a fourth-place finish in the Cy Young Award voting won by the Padres’ Jake Peavy.

However, Harang has gone 18-38 over the past three seasons with a 4.71 ERA. He led the National League with 17 losses in 2008.

Petco Park was actually the site of a turning point in Harang's career on May 25, 2008. Two days after starting, he pitched four innings of relief in an 18-inning game only to start three days later.

"I got fatigued and I was never the same," said Harang. "The following season, it was my appendix. I need a fresh start. Coming home is a blessing."